In a new study entitled ‘Towards a New Beginning’, the UNHCR, the UN body responsible for refugees has warned of the impact of prolonged stays in the direct provision centre for refugees. According to the study, time spent in direct provision leads to the disempowerment and dependency of those in the system. The study highlights that a lack of access to work, education and integration supports over an extended period of time contribute to the disempowerment and dependency of those in the communal accommodation system.
Speaking to the Irish Times, Sophie Magennis of UNHCR Ireland stated that “it is clear from this report that the length of time refugees spend awaiting final decisions in respect of their asylum applications should be reduced in order to limit the negative effects of such waiting periods . . . we must ensure that when some of those people arrive in Ireland, their applications are dealt with in a reasonable time frame”.
The direct provision system is currently under government review following commitments from both Minister of State Aodhán Ó Ríordáin and current Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald. The Government working group is chaired by Mr Justice Bryan MacMahon and includes representatives of non governmental organisations working in the area of refugee and asylum seeker rights. Controversy surrounding the operation of the working group has arisen in recent weeks following the resignation of the Irish Refugee Council. In her letter of resignation, Sue Conlon, Chief Executive of the IRC criticised the Government’s decision to publish the Heads of the International Protection Bill without consulting the members of the working group.
Click here to read the UNHCR study ‘Towards a New Beginning’.
Click here to read a brief summary of the report findings in the Irish Times.
Click here to read an article in the Irish Times on the resignation of the IRC’s Sue Conlon from the Government working group on direct provision.